Faq’s
Arizona is currently NOT a helmet law state. It is not required of those 18 and older to wear one, on or off-road. However, we believe wearing a helmet has many advantages. Besides the obvious crash protection, a properly-fitted quality helmet will make the ride more comfortable, while protecting your hearing and vision, and shielding you from the elements, and road debris. A helmet IS required, both on and off-road, for anyone under 18 on a motorcycle, atv, or in a UTV or SxS.
You’ve been very fortunate for 20 years, but it takes just 1 person texting or intoxicated to end that lucky streak. The vehicle pulling out in front of you doesn’t care if you’ve been riding for a week, or a decade. The result is the same. Dress for the crash, not the ride.
Helmet brands all have different criteria for what they consider their size ranges. A size “Large” helmet can differ dramatically between different brands, and even within different models within the SAME brand. In one brand you may be a Medium, and another an XL. It’s about the proper FIT, not the letter designation on the helmet.
Over the last 17 years, we have seen a pattern, that when left to buy a helmet on their own, 90% of consumers will pick a helmet at LEAST one size too large… often times 2 sizes. And to be clear, just because you have been wearing a size Large for 30 years, doesn’t mean it’s been RIGHT for 30 years.
Circumference is just ONE measurement to get you in the ballpark of what size you may be. Equally important is head shape! Place a football and a soccer ball on a counter and measure around their circumference. They may both measure 55 cm around, but would they both fit in the same opening? The football would need a larger hole, or one shaped the same for it to fit.
This is a subject that I could write paragraphs about, but will simplify it as best I can. First off, the DOT rating is on the HONOR SYSTEM, and is not regulated. That’s scary. Secondly, the DOT rating is a pass or fail test, and not graded. While a cheap helmet may PASS the test, a premium helmet would exceed the test results, decreasing your chances of a major head or brain injury. You also have upgraded helmet materials, higher safety ratings, increased ventilation, increased visibility, longer warranties and better fit and finish to consider.
Tell me how you’re going to crash, and I’ll pick the right one for you” has always been my reply to that question. Each brand, shell composite, safety rating, and helmet styles have distinct advantages depending on the TYPE of crash. For example, a cheaper plastic-shell helmet flexes more, so at a low speed (under 20 mph) crash it may absorb more energy than a high-end helmet. However, at a medium to high speed crash (anything over 20 mph), a composite shell is safer as it’s more rigid, so it can take a larger impact without failing like a plastic shell would. My rule of thumb has always been, if you value your brain, ensure it’s well being in a properly fit, quality helmet.